In French Polynesia's western Leeward islands, Maupiti is a beautiful coral atoll with a volcanic island at its center. It is the ultimate getaway destination, void of tourist exploitation and development and still holding onto its sense of sublime wildness. While people often bolt for Bora Bora, those seeking a softer, calmer side of French Polynesia can laze on soft, white sands and explore the perfect turquoise waters and coral gardens by kayak, snorkeling, or diving.
Accessed from nearby Raiatea, Tahaa is best known for its vanilla and pearls, both of which are of high quality. It is less modern than other Society Islands and is an excellent venue for jetskiing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Other activities include visiting a vanilla farm, pearl farm and day tours. French and local cuisines and seafood are the main food available but a variety of European dishes can also be had.
Utoroa est un site de yacht de luxe situé en Polynésie française. Une côte de plus de 30 kilomètres baignée par les couleurs bleu-turquoise des lagons de l'océan Pacifique offre une myriade d'options pour profiter des eaux cristallines et investir dans l'aventure. Des activités comme la baignade, la plongée sous-marine, la plongée, le jet ski, la pêche et le stand-up paddle offrent aux voyageurs un riche éventail de divertissements. Après le coucher du soleil, les invités peuvent profiter des nombreux bars et restaurants situés le long de la côte. De nombreux services de location de bateaux sont disponibles, offrant une gamme complète d'options pour explorer les eaux turquoises autour d'Uturoa.
Raiatea is known as "Raiatea the Sacred" and is the second largest of the Leeward Islands after Tahiti. It was once the cultural and religious capital of eastern Polynesia, with Taputapuatea, a marae or sacred place and UNESCO World heritage Site situated on the south east of the island. It is thought that Raiatea was the starting point for the major migrations to the Hawaiian Islands and New Zealand. Many tours are available on the island including cultural, historical, 4WD vehicle and archaeology. The crystal sea makes the island ideal for water-sports. French and local cuisines and seafood are the main fare available but a variety of European dishes can also be had.
Located among the Society Islands, Huahine caters for tourists with many activities available and is a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving, 4WD island tours, historic and cultural tours, and a visit to a distillery. Huahine is famous for its sacred eels which guests can feed from a bridge crossing the stream where they live.
Home to some of the best beaches in Huahine, Avea Bay is a beauty and sits on the southwest of the island. With wide warm lagoons providing a perfect scene for swimming and the stunning beach of Relais Mahana, charter gusts can fill their days on Avea Bay with swimming and wading in the shallows, snorkeling, and startling sunsets. Palm trees and stars set the mise-en-scene for peace and tranquility and lucky snorkelers who make their way across the reef may see rays and black tip sharks.
Moorea is something truly magical. With its vertical peaks reaching for the sky and its moon white sand beaches, you are sure to find this French Polynesian gem a soft alternative to its sister island of Tahiti. Be sure to visit the Tiki Village with its local feasts and threads of song and dance. With epic diving sites at every turn, you can swim alongside rays, eagles, sharks, and a whole host of other characters. Pick up some beautiful velvet black pearls - the kind that makes this island so famous. With a wealth of beaches to choose from, you can soak up swish vibes at the cool Coco Beach or Opunohu Bay or seek your own slice of hidden paradise at Opunohu Bay. Drop anchor, swim, sip coconut water, and ride bicycles around these truly exotic shores.
The port city that first welcomes you into the warm embrace of Tahiti, Papeete is well worth taking the time to explore even when the stashed away coral atolls are calling. Fall in love with the sunshine yellows of the Notre Dame Cathedral, explore the colours and sounds of the Marche de Papeete and pick up some of the famed black pearls. If you want to know more about the pearl culture of Papeete and French Polynesia, visit the pearl museum for an in-depth look at the history and culture of pearl diving. Stroll along the waterfront and grab a food truck lunch at the iconic Place Vaiete. Home to some of the best food trucks and shacks, eating at these is a must for when you crave fresh fish raw in truly horizontal surroundings.